December is a month rich in symbolism, and its birthstones reflect this depth of meaning. Traditionally associated with turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz, and blue zircon, the December birthstone collection offers a fascinating blend of color, cultural significance, and historical resonance. While turquoise has long been revered for its protective and spiritual properties, the more recent additions like tanzanite and blue topaz bring a modern flair and increased durability to the list. This article delves into the gemological properties of these stones, their historical and cultural significance, and how they are incorporated into contemporary jewelry, particularly in the form of wedding bands and stacking rings.
History and Lore
The tradition of assigning birthstones to specific months can be traced back to the ancient world. One of the earliest references is in the biblical Book of Exodus, which describes the breastplate of Aaron, a high priest, adorned with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. While the exact identities of those stones remain debated, the idea of linking gemstones to months and personal identity took root in various cultures over time.
Turquoise, the oldest of December’s birthstones, has a history that spans millennia. Its name derives from the French pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” referring to the trade routes through which it entered Europe. In reality, turquoise has been mined in the Near East and North Africa for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used it for amulets and inlays in jewelry and artifacts, while Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States valued it for its spiritual and protective properties. In many cultures, turquoise is believed to bring clarity, wisdom, and protection from harm.
Tanzanite, in contrast, is a much newer addition to the birthstone list. Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, it was introduced to the world by jewelry designer and trader George Kunz, who named it after its country of origin. Tanzanite is a rare gemstone, found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is typically heat-treated to enhance its color, which ranges from deep violet-blue to purplish tones. Its vibrant color and relative durability made it a popular choice for inclusion in the December birthstone collection.
Blue topaz and blue zircon were added to the December birthstone list to provide more affordable and durable alternatives to turquoise. Blue topaz, especially in the Swiss blue variety, is known for its clarity and brilliance, while blue zircon often exhibits a fiery, glassy luster. Both stones are heat-treated to achieve their blue coloration.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each December birthstone has a unique geological origin and formation process.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, with the chemical formula Al₂(Cu)(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O. It is typically formed in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, where water percolates through the rock and carries dissolved copper and aluminum. The presence of copper gives turquoise its characteristic blue or green color. The intensity of the blue depends on the amount of copper present, while green hues are caused by the presence of iron.
Historically, the most prized turquoise came from the Persian region, particularly the Nishapur district, which gave the stone its name. However, today, major sources include the United States (especially Nevada), Iran, China, and Egypt. The quality of turquoise is assessed based on its color, hardness (typically 5–6 on the Mohs scale), and the presence of matrix—natural veining that forms as the stone is mined and shaped.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)·H₂O. It is found almost exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The stone is typically found in metamorphic rock formations and is extracted through open-pit and underground mining. Tanzanite is usually heat-treated to enhance its color, transforming it from a brownish or greenish hue to the deep blue-violet that makes it desirable for jewelry.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for use in rings and other daily-wear jewelry. It also exhibits pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₆. Natural blue topaz is rare, and most of the blue topaz in jewelry is heat-treated or irradiated to achieve its blue color. The most popular variety is Swiss blue topaz, which has a deep, even blue color. Blue topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable option for rings and other types of jewelry.
Blue topaz is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States. It is often cut in a variety of styles, from brilliant round cuts to oval and cushion cuts, depending on the desired aesthetic and setting.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. Natural blue zircon is rare, and most of the blue zircon used in jewelry is heat-treated to develop its intense blue color. Zircon has a hardness of 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for jewelry use, though not as durable as topaz or tanzanite.
Blue zircon is found in several countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Brazil. It is known for its high refractive index, which gives it a fiery, glassy luster. This makes it an attractive alternative to diamonds or other high-refractive-index gemstones.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of each December birthstone are unique and contribute to their appeal in jewelry design.
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Refractive Index | Color Range | Treatments Commonly Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Al₂(Cu)(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O | 5–6 | 1.60–1.65 | Blue, green, or greenish-blue | Heat, stabilization |
| Tanzanite | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)·H₂O | 6–7 | 1.69–1.70 | Deep blue-violet to purplish | Heat |
| Blue Topaz | Al₂SiO₆ | 8 | 1.62 | Deep blue (Swiss blue) | Heat, irradiation |
| Blue Zircon | ZrSiO₄ | 6.5–7.5 | 1.92–2.01 | Intense blue | Heat |
These properties determine how each gemstone is best suited for jewelry use. For example, turquoise, with its relatively low hardness and porosity, is often stabilized or inlaid to increase its durability. Tanzanite and blue topaz, with their higher hardness and vibrant colors, are ideal for rings and other pieces that require both visual appeal and resilience.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The metaphysical and symbolic meanings attributed to the December birthstones have evolved over centuries and vary across cultures.
Turquoise
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, wisdom, and clarity. In ancient Egypt, it was used in amulets to ward off evil and was believed to bring divine favor. Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo and Zuni, used turquoise in ceremonial jewelry and as a symbol of life and health. It was also believed to help with communication and emotional balance.
In modern times, turquoise is often associated with courage, tranquility, and personal expression. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of calm. These properties make it a popular choice for those seeking a meaningful and symbolic birthstone ring.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is relatively new to the birthstone tradition, but it has quickly gained popularity for its symbolic associations. It is often linked with spiritual awakening, emotional healing, and intuition. Its deep blue-violet color is said to resonate with the throat and third eye chakras, making it a powerful stone for those seeking clarity in communication and inner vision.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is associated with calm, serenity, and emotional stability. It is believed to help reduce stress and promote mental clarity. In some traditions, it is also linked to love and friendship, making it a fitting choice for a December birthstone ring worn as a symbol of enduring relationships.
Blue Zircon
Blue zircon is known for its energy-enhancing properties. It is often used in crystal healing to boost vitality and mental focus. It is also associated with protection from negative energies and is believed to help in overcoming fear and anxiety.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry, especially rings that are worn daily.
Turquoise
Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, so it requires special care. It should be avoided in contact with water, chemicals, and abrasive materials. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but the stone should be dried immediately afterward. Exposure to heat and direct sunlight should be minimized to prevent discoloration and drying out.
Turquoise inlay in rings is often stabilized with resins to increase its durability. While this makes it more resistant to wear, it is still important to avoid harsh cleaning agents and to store the ring in a soft pouch or box when not in use.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is more durable than turquoise but still requires care to maintain its luster and color. It should be avoided in ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, as these can damage the stone. A soft cloth and mild soap are recommended for cleaning. Tanzanite should also be stored separately from other gemstones, as it can be scratched by harder stones like diamonds or sapphires.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is relatively hard and durable, making it one of the easier December birthstones to care for. It can be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as well as with mild soap and a soft brush. However, it should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the color to fade over time.
Blue Zircon
Blue zircon is fairly hard and resistant to scratches, but it should avoid exposure to high heat, as this can cause it to lose its color. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe. However, it is best to avoid steam cleaning, as zircon can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Jewelry Design and Contemporary Trends
The December birthstone collection offers a wide range of options for jewelry design, from traditional rings to modern stacking bands and custom creations.
Turquoise Rings
Turquoise is often used in inlay rings, where the stone is set into a metal band. These rings are popular for their bold, colorful appearance and their ability to tell a story through the natural patterns of the stone. Turquoise inlay rings are available in various widths and styles, from narrow bands suitable for daily wear to wider, statement pieces that make a strong visual impact.
One popular design is the titanium band with turquoise inlay, which combines the strength and hypoallergenic properties of titanium with the beauty and symbolism of turquoise. These rings are available in widths of 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm, allowing for customization based on personal style and comfort.
Turquoise rings are also often used as stacking rings, where multiple rings of different widths and designs are worn together to create a layered look. This trend has made turquoise rings a popular choice for those looking to add a meaningful and stylish accent to their jewelry collection.
Tanzanite Rings
Tanzanite rings are a modern addition to the December birthstone jewelry market. They are often used in solitaire settings, where the deep blue-violet color of the stone can be showcased in a simple and elegant design. Tanzanite also works well in cluster or halo settings, where smaller stones are arranged around the central tanzanite to enhance its brilliance.
One unique design feature of tanzanite rings is the use of multi-stone combinations. For example, a tanzanite center stone might be surrounded by aquamarine, sapphire, and spinel, creating a vibrant and eye-catching piece. These designs often incorporate whimsical or symbolic elements, such as infinity motifs or heart-shaped stones, to add meaning and visual interest.
Blue Topaz and Blue Zircon Rings
Blue topaz and blue zircon are often used in stacking rings and multiple-stone designs due to their affordability and durability. Blue topaz, particularly in the Swiss blue variety, is known for its clarity and brilliance, making it a popular choice for halo settings and multiple-stone bands.
Blue zircon, with its high refractive index and fiery luster, is often used in statement rings and cocktail rings, where its bright blue color can make a bold visual impact. It is also used in custom designs, where its unique properties can be highlighted through innovative setting styles and metal choices.
Conclusion
The December birthstone collection offers a rich array of options for jewelry lovers and gemstone enthusiasts. From the ancient and symbolic turquoise to the modern and vibrant tanzanite, each stone brings its own unique properties and beauty to the table. Whether used in traditional inlay rings, elegant solitaires, or modern stacking bands, these gemstones provide a meaningful and stylish way to celebrate the month of December.
Understanding the history, gemological properties, and cultural significance of these stones allows for a deeper appreciation of the jewelry that features them. Proper care and maintenance ensure that these pieces remain beautiful and meaningful for years to come.
For those looking to incorporate a December birthstone into their jewelry collection, the options are both diverse and enduring. Whether worn as a wedding ring, a statement piece, or a meaningful accessory, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire.